You’re likely only going to ever hire a wedding videographer once and they aren’t usually cheap. It makes sense to want to get the best from your wedding video.

1. Special moments, Set pieces

If you’re opening gifts, make sure to give a heads up to your videographer and photographer. These can be very beautiful moments and it would be a shame to miss them. This goes for guests blowing bubbles, sparklers, calls to your grandmother, gift exchange etc.

Example of relative call:

2. Microphone- Pick it up!

If you’ve hired a professional videographer, they will almost certainly be using a number of different microphones and audio sources. Even if you’re in a small room and you think everyone can hear you, pick up the microphone if one is provided. It doesn’t matter how pretty the footage is, if the sound is bad, then the viewing experience will be bad.

Bonus tip: When giving a speech don’t move around or pace the floor, try to hold the microphone in the same position and don’t move it in your hands if possible. If in doubt ask for advice from the videographer – a good one will have already told you about these things.

3. Late ceremony in winter

It’s great to be able to get some outdoor shots, however you’re going to want some good lighting. In December in Ireland the sun sets around 4pm, so if your ceremony is at 3pm you’ll likely be in darkness by the time it’s over. In the thick of winter, early ceremonies are the way to go.

4. Write letters to each other

Want to add a special little twist to your wedding video? Then try writing a short letter to each other that can be read on the morning of the wedding. It can give a heartfelt personal touch to the video and is something a bit different.

Example of letter reading:

5. Clean windows and mirrors

This is a funny one. If you’re getting a cinematic wedding videographer they are likely to use reflective surfaces for some more creative shots. If the mirror is full of fingerprints and dust it will degrade the quality of the shot or make it unusable. The camera sees the dust much better than the human eye. Same goes for hotel windows, you’re likely paying the hotel a lot of money; don’t be afraid to ask that the windows are clean.

6. Just forget they are there

Depending on the style of videographer, usually the most organic shots come from people going about their business like there were no cameras. Especially for preparations it’s usually best to just forget the day is being documented. You’ll be so busy this should come naturally and if you have a considerate supplier they will put you at ease and keep out of the way.

Bonus tip: If you see a lot of posed shots in a wedding video then realise that the you’ll need to dedicate time on the day to replicate the style. Some will demand much more time than others.

7. Distance between locations

There are only so many hours in the day and all couples want to maximise time with their family and guests. So ideally you’re not going to want to have everyone travelling for too long in cars. Keeping your prep, ceremony and venue all within a short distance is hugely helpful for everyone. Better yet, have the couple get ready in the same place, like a hotel, so your photographer or videographer can shoot both sides of the preparations. There are of course exceptions to this rule, especially if it involves a boat trip or helicopter journey 🙂

8. Lighting at your venue

For some reason venues seem to love purple LED lights 🙂 These can look pretty in isolation, but they will make you look like an alien in your photos and in the video. Avoid venues with poor lighting or questionable lighting choices.

9. Guest photos during ceremony

More and more couples are asking their guests to resist taking photos and videos during the day, especially during the ceremony and speeches. Having your next door neighbour plop an iPad in front of the camera as you walk up the aisle is a shame for your video and photos. You’re likely paying a considerable amount of money for a professional photographer and videographer so best to leave it to them.

10. Turn off music during preparations

Some wedding highlights are music videos with little to no actual audio from the day but for some, they will want good clean audio during preparation you’re going to need to turn off that background music if you want this audio.. There is so much buzz and stuff going on all morning you’ll likely not miss it anyways.

11. Speeches before or after meal?

Honestly, before or after the meal is fine but the absolute worst is speeches between courses. Your wedding videographer won’t be able to get a break as they will be on edge constantly thinking you’re about to start more speeches.

12. Content of speeches

It all depends on your personality but try to avoid ‘thank you speeches’ that list everyone in the room. Thank guest is important but try not to overload the speech with name dropping. It can also often be easier to be funny than serious in speeches but try to get in a few heartfelt lines about your other half, how you met and try to get in some of the best memories you have together.

13. Church or civil?

The majority of Irish couples get married in Catholic churches and we’re more than happy to shoot these weddings. Though be aware that most Catholic wedding ceremonies are largely similar in terms of audio and structure. A civil ceremony usually lends itself far better to cinematic video.